For the first time in 25 years two legs have triumphed over four to win the annual "man versus horse" race.

Some 40 horses and riders lined up against nearly 500 people and relay teams in the gruelling 22-mile race in Llanwrtyd Wells, mid Wales.

No human had been able to defeat a horse in the 25-year history of the competition.

The historic feat was yesterday performed by runner Huw Lobb from Bedford, who won in two hours five minutes and 19 seconds.

It was the first time he had competed in the William Hill Man v Horse Marathon.

The 27-year-old IT consultant beat horse Kay Bee Jay, ridden by Zoe White, who crossed the line in two hours seven minutes and 36 seconds.

Mr Lobb said: "It is the 25th anniversary today and I am the first person to beat the horse. It feels great.

"I was the fourth Briton to finish the London marathon this year so I have been in training for a long time now.

"But this race is very different . . . I have been up and down mountains today."

Mr Lobb won the £25,000 prize money, which has increased by £1000 for each year it has been unclaimed.

"It is amazing to win this money, but I won't believe it till I see it," he said.

"I am going to buy myself a pair of fell running shoes. I have never competed in anything like this before but I seem to be quite good at it and hope to come back next year to defend my win."

The course includes open moorland, farm tracks, footpaths, and roads.

William Hill had offered odds of 16/1 that a man would win.

A permanent memorial to the eccentric late politician, Screaming Lord Sutch, who was the event's starter for 11 years, was also unveiled yesterday. Lord Sutch attended the race just days before his death in 1999.